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The ovaries are part of the female reproductive system. They produce a woman’s eggs and make female hormones. Regularly, cysts can form as part of the ovulation process. Most women have an ovarian cyst at some point in their lives, and they are usually harmless. But how do you know it’s not something more? That’s where our team at MAIA comes in. We’ll examine and diagnose an ovarian cyst and ensure, if necessary, that you receive the treatment you need.
What are Ovarian Cysts?
Ovarian cysts are a type of fluid-filled sac that develops on or inside one or both ovaries. Most often, they are harmless, but occasionally, they may need further treatment to remove them. Regular pelvic exams can ensure you catch any issues with a cyst early so it can be treated as needed.
There are a few different types of ovarian cysts, including the following:
- Functional cysts: These are the most common type of ovarian cyst and occur as a result of ovulation. They are completely harmless and often shrink within 60 days without treatment.
- Follicular cysts: There is a small sac in the ovary called a follicle. It releases an egg each month during your menstrual cycle. These types of cysts form when the follicle doesn’t release an egg but fills up with fluid and grows instead. This is a type of functional cyst.
- Corpus luteum cysts: After the follicle releases an egg, it forms a group of cells called the corpus luteum. A cyst can form on this group of cells when fluid collects in the corpus luteum. This is another type of function cyst and is usually harmless.
- Cystadenomas: These cysts form on the surface of your ovary and are often filled with a thin, watery fluid.
- Dermoid cysts (teratomas): These cysts consist of cells from different tissues all over the body, including the skin, hair, and even the teeth or brain.
- Endometrioma: Cells that are similar to those that line the uterus form outside the uterus and can attach themselves to the ovary, causing a cyst.
- Ovarian cancer: Solid masses of cancerous cells can form cysts on the ovaries.
What Causes Ovarian Cysts
Ovulation is the usual cause of an ovarian cyst, but it’s not the only cause. Some of the other causes of ovarian cysts include:
- Abnormal cell reproduction: Atypical cell reproduction can cause cysts like dermoids and cystadenomas to form.
- Endometriosis: When endometriosis advances and the endometrium growing outside the uterus attaches to the ovary, ovarian cysts can form.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): Severe pelvic infections can spread to your ovaries, causing cysts.
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Pregnancy
- Cancer
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What to Expect from Ovarian Cysts
While smaller ovarian cysts often cause no symptoms at all, larger cysts can bring on a number of different symptoms, including:
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Dull ache in your back.
- A feeling of fullness or bloating in the lower belly
- Pain during intercourse
- Painful periods
- Nausea
Ovarian Cysts Treatment Options
Treatment for ovarian cysts depends on several factors, including age, symptoms, and what’s causing the cyst. Some of the treatment options available include:
Watchful Waiting
Functional ovarian cysts usually go away without treatment. If your cyst is functional, your provider may suggest a period of watching the cysts and being on the lookout for any changes.
Medications
Dr Wolowick or Dr. Mitchell may also prescribe a hormone medication (like birth control pills) to control ovulation and prevent future cysts from forming.
Surgery
If a cyst is causing symptoms and getting bigger, surgery may be necessary to remove it. The type of surgery depends on the size and type of cyst. The options include:
Laparoscopy: With this procedure, a small camera is inserted through an incision in your abdomen. While viewing the cyst through the camera, tiny incisions will be used to remove it. Laparotomy: If the cyst is larger, an incision is made to open the abdominal cavity and surgically remove the cyst
If the cyst is suspected to be cancerous, a portion of it will be sent for diagnostic testing, and further treatment may be needed if it is cancerous.
Schedule A Consultation
At MAIA, our team can help you with all your gynecological needs. If we find a cyst during a pelvic exam, we will discuss your next steps. Take the first step, and schedule a consultation today! Call our office at 630-320-6703 or complete our online contact form. We happily serve the Naperville, Downers Grove, Chicago, and Aurora, IL areas.
